Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Treatment in Ankara

Short answer

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth and can occur during sleep or during the day. The most commonly used treatment is a custom-made night guard that protects the teeth against wear. This is accompanied by habit and lifestyle advice, repair of worn teeth and, if needed, assessment of the jaw joint. In some cases, following assessment by a dentist, Botox may also be an option.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the clenching or rubbing together of the teeth caused by involuntary activity of the jaw muscles. There are two types:

Sleep bruxism: clenching or grinding the teeth while asleep; the person is often unaware of it.
Awake bruxism: clenching the teeth during the day, especially at moments of concentration or stress.

Bruxism is not always regarded as a disease; treatment is needed when it starts to harm the teeth, muscles or jaw joint. The force on the teeth during sleep can be much greater than the chewing force during the day. As a result, marked wear and cracks can develop in the teeth over the years.

What are the signs of teeth clenching?

The most common signs are jaw tiredness in the morning, headaches and tooth wear. Because the signs develop slowly, they are often noticed at a dental examination.

Pain and tiredness in the jaw, face or temples in the morning
Headaches, especially those that start in the morning
Wear, flattening, chips or cracks in the teeth
Sensitivity of the teeth to cold
Noises from the jaw joint, limited mouth opening
Bite marks on the inside of the cheek and along the edge of the tongue
The person sleeping next to you hearing grinding

What causes teeth clenching?

Bruxism has no single cause; stress, sleep patterns and habits are the factors most often associated with it.

Stress and anxiety
Sleep disorders and breathing problems during sleep
Caffeine, alcohol and smoking
Some medicines (for example, some antidepressants)
Problems with how the teeth bite together

If snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep are suspected, a referral is made to the relevant specialist. Diagnosis is usually based on listening to your symptoms and examining the wear marks on the teeth and the jaw muscles. Where necessary, further assessments such as a sleep study may be requested.

What can you do to reduce daytime clenching?

The most effective step for daytime clenching is awareness: at rest, the lips should be closed, the teeth slightly apart and the tongue resting on the palate. The teeth should only touch during chewing and swallowing.

Check your jaw at regular intervals while at the computer, on your phone or driving.
Cut down on chewing gum and biting pens.
Limit caffeine and alcohol, especially in the evening.
Adopt stress-reducing habits such as regular sleep and walking.
Apply warmth to the jaw muscles and try the exercises your dentist recommends.

If stress and anxiety are marked, getting support from a professional can also be part of treatment. Setting reminders on your phone a few times a day makes it easier to notice when you are clenching. Within a few weeks this awareness can become a habit.

How does a night guard help?

A custom-made night guard (occlusal splint) is the most commonly used treatment for teeth clenching. The guard stops the teeth from rubbing directly against each other, reducing wear and the load on the jaw muscles.

A night guard does not stop clenching completely, but it protects the teeth and fillings. Because it is made from impressions, it fits the mouth precisely. Ready-made guards sold in pharmacies may not fit properly and can strain the jaw joint.

Clean it every morning with a soft brush and cold water; do not put it in hot water.
Store it in its own case in a dry, cool place.
Bring it to your check-ups; a worn guard is replaced over time.

Custom-made clear night guard that protects the teeth against clenching — A night guard protects the teeth against wear · Illustrative AI-generated image; not a patient.

How are worn teeth treated?

Worn or broken teeth are repaired with fillings, bonding or crowns, depending on the degree of wear. Bringing clenching under control before treatment extends the life of the repairs.

Mild wear: reshaping the edges with composite fillings or bonding
Moderate wear: larger composite restorations or veneers
Severe wear: restoring the height of the teeth with crowns; comprehensive planning is often needed

Because of wear, teeth can look shorter and darker. In this case, when porcelain veneers or crowns are planned, a night guard is also added to the treatment. If there is wear-related sensitivity, fluoride products and desensitising toothpastes may also be recommended.

Does teeth clenching affect the jaw joint?

Yes; long-term clenching can cause pain in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and the surrounding muscles. Clicking when opening the mouth, a feeling of locking or pain in front of the ear are important signs in this respect.

For jaw joint complaints, in addition to a night guard, warmth, a soft diet and jaw exercises recommended by the dentist can be used. If the complaints persist, an assessment is made together with the relevant specialist.

Most jaw joint disorders improve considerably over time with non-surgical methods. Chewing gum, opening the mouth very wide and biting hard foods can strain the joint while you have symptoms. If the pain lasts longer than a few weeks or mouth opening gradually decreases, an examination should not be delayed.

Is Botox an option for teeth clenching?

In some cases, yes; botulinum toxin (popularly known as Botox), injected in small doses into the masseter, a chewing muscle, can temporarily reduce the muscle's clenching force. However, it is not suitable for everyone and is not the first choice.

The decision to use it is made after an examination and assessment by the dentist.
The effect is temporary; it usually lasts a few months and may need to be repeated.
It does not cure clenching at the root; it does not replace a night guard but is considered alongside one.
It is not used during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in some neuromuscular diseases.

For another use of botulinum toxin in dentistry, see our page gummy smile treatment.

How does teeth clenching affect cosmetic treatments?

Teeth clenching can shorten the life of veneers, zirconia crowns and fillings. For this reason, wearing a night guard may be recommended before or after cosmetic treatment.

Clenching can also increase sensitivity after whitening. If you are considering whitening, mention this at your examination; details are on our page sensitivity after whitening. At our clinic in Çankaya, Ankara, we can assess your teeth and jaw muscles and create a suitable plan together.

Frequently asked questions

Does teeth clenching go away completely?

It depends on the cause. In most cases, even if it does not go away completely, a night guard and changes in habits protect the teeth and reduce symptoms.

How long is a night guard used for?

It is usually worn every night while sleeping. How long it is used and when it is replaced are decided by the dentist.

Do ready-made guards from the pharmacy work?

Ready-made guards may not fit the mouth properly and can strain the jaw joint. A custom guard made from impressions is recommended.

Is Botox a permanent solution for teeth clenching?

No. Its effect is temporary and usually lasts a few months. Suitability is assessed by the dentist, and it is usually considered together with a night guard.

Does teeth clenching cause headaches?

Yes, it can cause headaches, especially in the temples in the morning. As headaches can have other causes too, you should also consult the relevant doctor if the complaint persists.

Is teeth grinding normal in children?

It can be common in children and often decreases on its own. If there is wear, pain or a sleep problem, an examination is recommended.